Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health has issued a safety advisory following increased kite-flying accidents during the school holiday season, with officials warning of serious risks including electrocution, falls, and burn injuries.

The Acting Director of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Dr. Pradeep Ratnasekara, has highlighted a concerning surge in kite-flying-related injuries as children take advantage of favorable dry weather conditions during the current school break. While the activity remains popular among young people, medical professionals are concerned that inadequate safety precautions are leading to preventable accidents and severe health complications.

Accidents stem from multiple hazards associated with the recreational activity. Children flying kites from elevated locations such as rooftops face significant risks of falls, while group kite-flying sessions frequently result in collisions and injuries. More critically, contact between kite strings and high-voltage electrical power lines poses a life-threatening danger, as electricity can travel through the string to reach the person holding it. Medical teams have documented cases where such electrocution incidents caused irreversible damage to tissues, blood vessels, and nerves in the hands, arms, and chest, sometimes necessitating surgical amputation of affected limbs. In extreme cases, such contact can result in immediate fatality.

Dr. Ratnasekara emphasized that parents, guardians, and adults bear responsibility for ensuring children's safety while maintaining an environment where young people can enjoy recreational activities. The health official called on the public to exercise vigilance and responsible behavior, particularly by preventing children from flying kites near electrical infrastructure. Officials stressed that balancing children's enjoyment with their wellbeing requires constant adult supervision and awareness of potential hazards.